Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) Figures for 2018

The Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) figures for 2018

Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) 2018$1,616.50

Annual Equivalent of AWE$84,058.00

Average weekly earnings (AWE) means the Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings for the Northern Territory last published by the Australian Statistician before 1 January being the date in respect of which they are required under the Return to Work Act (the Act) to be assessed. The change to average weekly earnings from 1January each year has an effect on the following sections of the Act.

Section 65(1B) – Maximum Weekly Benefit

The maximum amount after 26 weeks (150% of AWE) = $2,424.75

Section 65(2)(a) and 3(a) Long Term Incapacity – Indexing

Persons in receipt of long term benefits have their entitlement adjusted on 1 January each year. Themultiplying factors are:

Injury date / AWE at Injury Date / Multiplying Factor *
2006 / $1039.00 / 1.5558
2007 / $1033.80 / 1.5636
2008 / $1058.40 / 1.5273
2009 / $1111.80 / 1.4539
2010 / $1153.50 / 1.4014
2011 / $1245.30 / 1.2981
2012 / $1341.20 / 1.2053
2013 / $1408.60 / 1.1476
2014 / $1449.30 / 1.1154
2015 / $1417.20 / 1.1406
2016 / $1513.50 / 1.0681
2017 / $1569.70 / 1.0298

* Multiply the workers Normal Weekly Earnings at time of accident by the corresponding multiplying factor.

Section 3 (5) – Worker Definition (domestic employees)

Earnings threshold for a worker is $323.30 per week (20% of AWE)

Section 3 (10) - Worker Definition (sportspersons)

Earnings threshold for determination of a worker is $54,637.70 (65% of annual equivalent of AWE)

(Persons involved in sporting activities that are paid at a rate of 65% of the annual equivalent of average weekly earnings, or more, are deemed to be workers)

Section 49A(3)(d) – Non Cash Benefit

The maximum payable for electricity, meals or accommodation is$565.78 per week (35% of AWE)

Section 62 and Regulation 6 - Benefits Payable on Death

Funeral $16,811.60 (20% of annual equivalent of AWE)

For injuries prior to 1 July 2015that result in death, $8,405.80 (10% of annual equivalent of AWE)

Death Benefit $588,406.00 (364 times AWE)

For injuries prior to 1 July 2015that result in death, $420,290.00 (260 times AWE)

Section 63 - Dependant Children's Benefit

Weekly payment per child is $161.65 (10% of AWE - maximum 10 children)

Section 65(12) – Minimum Long Term Benefit

The basis for calculating the minimum long term benefit is as follows:

Worker$808.25(50% of AWE)

Dependent Spouse$202.06(12.5% of AWE)

Prescribed child$101.03(6.25% of AWE)

Section 71 - Permanent Impairment

Maximum$336,232.00(208 times AWE)

For injuries prior to 15 October 1991, maximum $168,116.00 (104 times AWE)

Section 73(3) - Family Counselling

Maximum $2424.75 (150% of AWE)

Section 103FA(5) –Legal Advice or Representation at Mediation

Maximum $1,616.50 (AWE)

Claimant kilometre allowance for use of own vehicle

The suggested rate is33 cents per kilometre.

For further information please contact us on 1800 250 713, facsimile (08) 8999 5141, via email at or go to the NTWorkSafe website at

The Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) figures for 2018(V3.0 –November 2017)